Speaking: Fluency & Coherence A2 - Lesson 3: Using Basic Time Sequencers (first, then, next)

Speaking: Fluency & Coherence A2

Using Basic Time Sequencers

Listen to the story and examples here.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to tell a simple story or explain a process in a logical order using time sequencer words.

Telling a Story in Order: My Morning Routine 📖

To make a story clear, we use sequencers to show the order of events. Click 🔊 to hear each step of this example story about a typical morning in Siem Reap.

First, I wake up at 6 AM.

Then, I brush my teeth and wash my face.

Next, I get dressed and have a simple breakfast, like some rice porridge.

After that, I get my moto and drive to school.

Finally, I arrive at my class at about 7:30 AM.

The 3 Parts of a Simple Story

You can use this simple structure to tell any short story or explain any process. Click 🔊 to hear the sequencer word.

1. The Beginning

Always start with First,

2. The Middle

Use Then, Next, or After that,

3. The End

Always use Finally, to signal the last step.

Tips for Sounding Fluent

🗣️ Pronunciation Focus: Pausing with Sequencers

To help your listener follow your story, it is very important to pause for a short moment after a sequencer word. Notice that these sequencers are followed by a comma (,).

A comma is a signal to pause. This pause makes you sound more organized and fluent. Click 🔊 to hear the examples with pauses.

Correct: "First, [pause] I wake up."

Incorrect: "First I wake up." (This sounds rushed and less clear.)

Practice Telling a Story 🎯

Activity 1: Put the Story in Order

Here are the steps for making instant noodles, but they are mixed up! Click the steps in the correct order (1st to 4th).

Next, wait for three minutes.

Finally, eat the delicious noodles.

First, put the noodles and hot water in a bowl.

Then, add the soup powder and vegetables.

Click the first step...

Activity 2: Tell a Picture Story

Work with a partner. Find a simple set of three or four pictures that tell a story (you can search online for "4-panel comic strip"). One person tells the story to the other using "First,", "Next,", and "Finally,".

Your Fluency Toolkit

• Sequencer | ពាក្យតម្រៀប

  A word that shows the order of events in a story.
• First, | ដំបូង

  Use this for the very first action.
• Then, / Next, / After that, | បន្ទាប់មក

  Use these for the actions in the middle.
• Finally, | ជាចុងក្រោយ

  Use this for the very last action.

Your Fluency Mission ⭐

This week, your mission is to tell a short story using sequencers.

Think about a simple process, like how you get to school, how you make coffee, or what you did after class yesterday. Plan a short story with 3-4 steps and practice saying it aloud using at least three sequencer words.